Norwell High freshman takes Project 351's message to heart

After representing Norwell Middle School in the Project 351 leadership day in January, Molly Castle has spent the past 10 months setting an example in school and in the community.

Project 351 is a community-based volunteering program where one eighth grade student ambassador from each of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts travels to the State House to take part in different projects to help the less fortunate in different parts of Boston.

By day’s end, the ambassadors will have “impacted the lives of more than 8,000 citizens, gained confidence and capabilities, built friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds, and committed to build the ethic of service in their communities,” according to the Project 351 website.

The program didn’t stop there for many students, including Castle, who is now a freshman at Norwell High School. Throughout the past year, she has taken part in different programs, including an alumni program where she will be helping out Project 351 in January 2018.

“The thing that has surprised me the most is how much the entire town of Norwell and the schools have supported every crazy idea I've had,” said Castle. “In the spring, Project 351 ambassadors collect clothing for Cradles to Crayons. When I asked if we could do the collection in all Norwell schools instead of just the middle school, the answer was immediately yes.”

Once she learned that Cradles to Crayons can only accept brand-new socks, which is something they don't get a lot of, she asked Norwell Superintendent of Schools Matthew Ferron and the principals of the different schools if they could have a town-wide "Rock Some Socks Day." The event had everyone wearing crazy socks and donating a pair or two of new socks for kids who really need them throughout the state.

The enthusiastic “let’s do it” from the vast assortment of students and staff had donations from all over the town and she received emailed pictures of kids from all over town dressed in crazy socks.

Another program she has been involved in is collecting sports drinks, instant coffee, creamer packets and gum for the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund.

According to Norwell Middle School Principal Derek Sulc, after speaking with Castle’s teachers and advisors last fall, she seemed like the most logical choice.

“One of the things that Project 351 asks for is someone who is an unsung hero in the school,” said Sulc. “Molly does amazing things and doesn’t really get the recognition she deserves for them. I knew that the program would allow her to do more, get credit for it and it would allow her to grow.”

As part of the 2018 Alumni Leadership Council, Castle will serve on the Regional Unity Corps, a group of freshmen, sophomores and juniors who will build greater regional unity and incease local service and leadership development opportunities.

"Project 351 believes in the unlimited potential of young people to lead in powerful and transformative ways in every community in Massachusetts,” said Carolyn Casey, Executive Director and Founder of Project 351. “As eighth-graders, our young leaders engage hundreds of cities and towns in service, build bridges to foster unity, and encourage kindness and generosity in their hometowns. As graduates in high school, alumni continue to build a powerful, statewide movement of youth service founded on the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude. We are proud of the ALC’s sustained commitment to build a more united and engaged Commonwealth.”